Why Roger Federer sat alone in the Royal Box at Wimbledon

An image of Roger Federer sitting alone in Wimbledon's Royal Box went viral earlier this week, and there was a clear reason for it.

Wimbledon is reaching an exciting conclusion as Alexander Zverev booked his place in Sunday's final with a straight-sets victory over British hero Arthur Fery on Friday afternoon.

He was joined shortly after by world No.1 and pre-tournament favourite Jannik Sinner, who produced a dominant performance to win 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 against the legendary Novak Djokovic as he denied him a chance to make more history.

The Serbian was aiming to equal Federer's record of most Wimbledon titles (eight), and the 20-time Grand Slam champion has been in attendance for most of the week, soaking in some exciting action and going viral in the process.

On Monday, Federer was one of the guests in the Royal Box alongside Formula One driver Kimi Antonelli. The tennis legend watched all four matches that day, and even stayed for Zverev's clash against Jiri Lehecka.

The match started at 8:30pm, and by that time, most of those in the Royal Box had decided that they had seen enough tennis.

But Federer stayed and was pictured on the front row at 11pm when play was suspended with Zverev leading 6-4 7-5 3-3.

Image of the day.

Roger Federer sitting by himself in the Royal Box at Wimbledon.

He’s truly there just to watch some tennis.

One of the most legendary athletes is also a true tennis fan at the root of it all. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VJMrOyUTJ1

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 6, 2026

Needless to say, the images circulating of the Swiss native being the last man standing only added to his iconic status among fans.

After this image went viral, Federer explained to journalist Jon Wertheim why he didn't leave Centre Court.

READ MORE: Arthur Fery becomes overnight millionaire as Wimbledon win nets career-high payday

"Do you want the backstory?" Wertheim said on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast.

"So I had a session with Roger, he recalled what happened between sessions on Centre Court. The fans had been sitting there; it's a tight match, and then the match is over, they all get up, they go to the restroom, they get sandwiches, they get tea.

"He's like, 'I remember what it's like for the next set of players to come out. The Royal Box is empty, everyone's away, and it's kind of awkward, and I wanted to be out there.'

"The match starts, and they say to everyone else, 'You have to wait for a full changeover, so it's nine o'clock at night, and Zverev is playing Lehecka.

"The club realised the optics were a little off, so they sent a member out, just one guy to accompany Roger, and he's like, 'I get it, I know what's going on, we're good'. But we have this great visual of mighty Roger Federer out there alone in the Royal Box."

Roger Federer's Wimbledon record is safe for another year

Federer's selflessness is why he's revered by his fans, and they'll be pleased that his record of eight Wimbledon titles is safe for another year.

Djokovic was looking to equal it by becoming the oldest player in the Open era to win a Grand Slam; however, defeat to Sinner means his chances of matching or surpassing that total are slim.

As he turns 40 next year, time is running out for him to equal Federer, and that is one of the few records he has over the Serbian.

Indeed, Djokovic has already broken Federer's record for Wimbledon matches won, while his total of 24 Grand Slams won will take some beating.